Motion estimation method and apparatus for calculating a motion vector

Abstract

A motion estimation method and a motion estimation apparatus for calculating a motion vector to estimate a current picture based on a reference picture where the current picture is partially formed by a current block represented by pel values. The reference picture is partially formed by a search window represented by pel values and having a plurality of candidate blocks. There are provided processor elements and side register units arranged in the form of a matrix array. The pel values of the search window are fed to the processor elements and the side register units. The pel values of the current block are fed to the processor elements. Between the processor elements and the side register units, are shifted pel values of the search window. The processor elements are designed to calculate distortion values each indicative of a difference between the current block and each of the candidate blocks on the basis of the received pel values of the search window and the received pel values of the current block. The method and apparatus are characterized in that, at one of the adjoining two columns of the matrix array, the pel values of the search window are shifted only in an upward direction, while, at the other of the adjoining two columns of the matrix array, the pel values of the search window are shifted only in a downward direction.